How Do You Become a Recon Marine?

Candidates for Marine reconnaissance units must pass several classes and be in excellent physical shape. They must also have perfect or correctable vision and must maintain a clean disciplinary record for a least a year.

Join the Marines

The Marine Corps admits candidates aged 17 to 29 who have earned at least a high school diploma.

Marines take a skills assessment test to determine their job roles. Joining a reconnaissance unit requires a combined score of 105 or higher on the verbal and arithmetic portions of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

Excel at fitness

The Marine Corps requires reconnaissance members to excel at pull-ups or flexed-arm hangs, crunches and the 3-mile run.

Fix vision problems if necessary

Members of a reconnaissance unit must have perfect vision, but candidates with imperfect vision can undergo corrective surgery.

Stay disciplined

To qualify, candidates must have maintained a clean disciplinary record for a full year.

Pass both reconnaissance courses

Complete a 5-week primer course that teaches basic skills and water survival. Finally, complete a 12-week course covering subjects such as navigation, demolition and amphibious operations.